Columbus College of Art & Design students explore the cultural influence of jazz by creating design concepts inspired by musicians Jon Irabagon and Jocelyn Gould in this groundbreaking collaboration.
(PRUnderground) October 14th, 2025
This fall, internationally acclaimed saxophonist Jon Irabagon and Juno Award-winning guitarist Jocelyn Gould are stepping into new roles—as muses for the next generation of designers. In partnership with A Tribe for Jazz, Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) Fashion Design and Illustration students are creating design concepts inspired by the artists’ music, stories, and creative styles.
“The collaboration moves beyond the expected,” said Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director, A Tribe for Jazz. “By pairing musicians with designers, we’re creating new ways to experience jazz. It’s about keeping the art form alive in unexpected, transformative spaces.”
The project is part of CCAD’s educational commitment to giving each and every student career and industry experience while enrolled, and represents a nationally distinctive model of cross-disciplinary exchange. For students, it’s an outstanding opportunity to design for world-class artists. For the musicians, it’s an opportunity to see their work reflected in an unexpected medium.
“Partnering with leading creative organizations like A Tribe for Jazz expands the classroom beyond campus,” said Nicole Monahan, Associate Vice President for Creative Careers & Collaboration, CCAD. “It gives our students real-world experiences with professionals at the top of their fields and helps them see how their work connects to larger cultural conversations. Meanwhile, organizations get to work directly with the next generation of creative talent.”
Jazz Inspires the Next Generation of Designers
Guided by CCAD Associate Professor Audrey Nicolas, students are fusing three disciplines—jazz music, fashion design, and illustration—into one immersive exploration. Through listening exercises, live sketching, and design development, they’re learning how rhythm and personality can translate into fabric, form, and motion. Each student will design a complete outfit concept for Irabagon and Gould, balancing artistic expression with the performers’ individuality and stage presence. The musicians will provide feedback throughout the process.
“Jazz is conversation,” said Jon Irabagon. “Here, that conversation extends to a new medium. To see our music reflected through the eyes of young designers is a kind of collaboration we rarely get to experience.”
About Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus College of Art & Design teaches undergraduate and graduate students in the midst of a thriving creative community in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest private, nonprofit art and design colleges in the United States. CCAD offers nine BFA programs and a Master of Professional Studies in User Experience Design that produce graduates equipped to shape culture and business at the highest level. Additionally, CCAD offers year-round community art classes for children and adults of all ages, led by local creators and designers skilled in their craft. For more information, visit ccad.edu.
About A Tribe for Jazz
The mission of A Tribe for Jazz is to preserve the legacy and advance the future of jazz through visual storytelling, live and virtual performances, education, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.atribeforjazz.org. IG: @atribeforjazz_ and FB: A Tribe for Jazz.
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